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I think I’m going to make it. Only sixty-two bajillion papers left to grade, and my first semester back in the classroom will be in the books. My last class was Thursday, and I have to tell you–my subconscious must have taken that as license to KNIT!!! I’ve been shamelessly ignoring my responsibilities and knitting away on all sorts of odds and ends all weekend.

The picture above is the tiny front of a cardigan for a new bundle of preciousness I’ll get to see for the first time over the holidays. The cute is killing me. Pictures soon.

There’s also my Inlet cardigan. Little problem with that one. I finally finished up all the pieces, gave it a good soak, and set to work pinning it out on my blocking board.

While I was futzing around trying to get the fronts to line up, I realized that something wasn’t right.

Ugh. At some point during the craziness of the semester, I must have gone to finish up that front left side and temporarily lost my mind. Why in the world did I decrease at the top on the armhole side?? I’m trying to focus on the fact that this is knit bottom up, so fixing it shouldn’t take long. Still . . .

The other thing that’s been on my mind is the Fringe and Friends New-Year Knitalong. It’s a Logalong! I’ve wanted to try log cabin-ing forever, and I absolutely love a good knit along. I’m pretty sure I’m going to be on board for this.

Karen Templer recommended Ann Shayne and Kay Gardiner’s Log Cabin Field Guide as a good starting point. It explains the basics of how the log cabin construction works and gives you a few variations to try. I enjoyed knitting this little dish cloth for practice.

Kay Gardiner is hosting a discussion board where all sorts of fun ideas are floating around. Plus, Karen Templer has been regularly featuring ideas for log cabin projects on the Fringe Association blog. It’s the images at the top of this post that have really captured my imagination. I’m thinking of doing a throw like this in a log cabin version with some combination of speckledy yarns. Maybe. There are so many delicious possibilities. Anyone else thinking of joining in?

That pile of papers isn’t going to grade itself, so I should get going. I’ll just close with a few pictures of the amazing weather we’ve been having. On Thursday Paul and I took Django for a walk, and the world looked like this.

By yesterday, we had this!

I love, love, love the first snow of the year, and this one has been spectacular.

Here’s hoping the weather is nice where you are and, most importantly, that there is lots of knitting in the forecast! Be well, my friends.

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20 Comments

I love this weather! You have been busy as have I. Two little girl hats knit and delivered, a huge Wonderful Wallaby for daughter for Christmas finished, blocked, and packaged, a Yarn Harlot One Row Handspun scarf that can’t decide if it is going to next weekend’s Holiday Market or staying in my wardrobe is almost done. Enjoy your break. Good luck on the grading.

What a fabulous post — your enthusiasm had me reaching for the yarn on my desk and starting to cast on for a swatch, ha! The log cabin KAL is so tempting, but I think I’m going to sit it out as I have a few knitting projects I want to focus on in the new year — but I’m so excited to see what you decide to knit!

I love that the post made you reach for your yarn, Katherine! Thank you so much for telling me. Spreading the contagious joy of knitting is one of the absolute best things about the internet, I think. It’s what I love about blogs most of all. It’s almost like I can actually feel the mirror neurons firing when I read one of your posts or some of the other wonderful blog posts knitters write. It feels a little strange to say, but it’s one of the highlights of my day.

I agree and know just what you mean! Reading others writing on knitting can just be the best — it’s like we’re all gathered around a big table for an (online) knit night, chatting about our projects — highlight of my day as well 😀

Beautiful photos, I love winter when it begins (not so much when it lasts for months…) and the first frost and smell of winter air always give me new energy too!
Congrats with ALMOST being done with job!
Also, I wanted to let you know that you inspired me to bake the banana bread and I absolutely love it! I baked it a couple of times already, it’s our new addiction :)))

Thank you, Kat, and thanks for letting me know you tried the banana bread! I’m so glad you like it! ! It is definitely one of my go-to’s. Everything I’ve tried from the Smitten Kitchen blog has been exceptionally good, but this is my favorite (and most baked) by far. 🙂

It is delicious and what surprised me is that my boyfriend also loves it. He usually only likes chocolate cake and nothing with fruits in them, but he loves banana bread! As for me, I knew I would, I love bananas and the smell of this bread is just amazing! Thank you for sharing the idea 🙂

Again, congrats on finishing your first semester!!! I am telling you now that you know what to expect it gets easier…I promise. I don’t know yet about the log cabin, I’ve got so much stuff I want to do I don’t know if I’ll join in but I’m excited to see what everyone else makes!

Thank you, Dana! I have really appreciated your encouragement this semester. I think you’re right about things getting easier. I’m already feeling less stressed about the spring than I did about the fall. It’s funny, but all the time I’ve been looking at the log cabin ideas, I’ve been imagining you coming up with some amazing, log-cabin-inspired, color masterpiece. The Albers Cowl, especially, made me think of you (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/albers-cowl)–probably because of all the fabulous color variations people have come up with. I hear you about the long list of other things to do, though. There’s just something I can’t resist about starting a blanket!

I really, really wish we lived somewhere we would get snow. I totally missed it while I was in Indiana this year. It decided to snow the weekend after I left. Your pictures are gorgeous and make me want to snuggle under a blanket next to a warm fire with some hot tea or cocoa. I’m also tempted by the log cabin KAL; however I have so many things I want to finish up. I was supposed to do that this year and kept getting distracted by baby knitting. And if things go well, it looks like I’ll be knitting for another great grand niece or nephew in the coming months too. We’ll see! I look forward to seeing your progress on the log cabin blanket and the sweater too. Happy holidays!

Hey, Paula! The snow was definitely nice although it’s all melted now. It’s really hit or miss here in Tennessee (unlike in Chicago!). I’m always a bit conflicted because I love the coziness of being inside when it’s snowy, but I’m a real wimp when I have to go out in it. Baby knits are always so satisfying. Congratulations on your new family-member-to-be! And happy, happy holidays to you too!!

Beautiful weather! And it certainly makes it hard to sit around grading! Glad you are making time to knit and I hope the sweater SNAFU works out! I have my own cable monster soaking as we speak . . . you have given me the courage to get her to the blocking board! happy holidays!!

Gorgeous photos, Melinda! What a stunning and magical place you live by! Look at that frosty blue sky! (we had our first snow a week ago, but the temperatures have risen again leaving the city in a bit of a muddy state in its wake). Log cabin knitting sounds intriguing. What a cute and quilterly dishcloth! Looking forward to learning more. Happy Holidays! 🙂